FIRE AT SEA

Northern Advocate, 20 December 1928, Page 9

FIRE AT SEA

LAUNCH LONE STAR ABLAZE.

CARGO DUMPED OVERBOARD,

CREW ALL SAFE.

.(Special to “Northern Advocate'.”) AUCKLAND, This Day.

Drifting helplessly, in a rough sea, the cargo launch Lone Star, of 40 tons, caught fire off Narrow Neck beach shortly after, seven o 'clock last evening and was almost totally destroyed, before being , cast on the rocks at North Head two hours later.

The vessel was owned by Messrs Compton and Morrison, of Auckland and was heavily laden with a cargo for Artie's Bay and Manly, This was nearly all thrown overboard after the fire broke out.

Neil Compton of Ardmore Road, Herne Bay and W. Kirman, of 73 Nelson Street, comprised the crew. Fortunately, the blazing lailneh was seen by the signalman at Mount Victoria, who immediately communicated with the Harbour Board authorities at Auckland and the pilot launch Waitemata was despatched from the Devonport and stood by the burning vessel Before leaving the launch, Kirman retrieved .a small terrier from the cabin, wdicre it had remained tonified. The dinghy was almost swamped, as the two men left in it. The launch Waitemata had now arrived and took Kirman.and the dog on board. Compton preferred to remain in the dinghy and rowed ashore near North Head. By the time Kirman had been landed at the Defence wiiarf at Dcvouport. the Lone Star was blazing from end to, end and had gone ashore on the rocks at North Head, facing Rangitoto. The Waitemata went to the spot and when the flames had almost burned themselves out, a large hole was made in the hull to ensure, that should it drift off the rocks, it would sink immediately and not become a menace to shipping.

After the tire—what? It’s all a matter of insurance! Insure today with The Mercantile and General iWuranec Go., Ltd. Whangarei Agent: A. H. Cuftis, Cameron Street. 2